Iskandar Johor Open welcomes Padraig Harrington
Padraig Harrington is ready to defend his title at the Iskandar Johor Open, which will take place at the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club from November 17 to 20, 2011. The Asian Tour event, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tour,
has experienced a 60 percent increase in the purse, which means the Irishman will be bidding for $2-million this year.
The news was confirmed by the Chairman of the IJO organizing committee and Menteri Besar of Johor, Y.A.B Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman through the official website of Asian tour.
The statement released on the website read, “The Iskandar Johor Open has been an astounding success over the past few years, and naturally it fuels further growth for the championship as it rises to prominence. It's certainly great
news that Harrington will be defending his title, and his presence is a fitting testament to the prestige of the championship. I'm sure more top players will be announced in the coming months as preparation goes full steam ahead.”
Harrington, who won last year’s event with a three-stroke win, added, “I am really looking forward to returning to the Iskandar Johor Open to defend my title.”
A three-time major winner, Harrington made a superb comeback last year, when he had his name engraved on a trophy after a gap of two years. Before that, Harrington was lurking on the European Tour without a win to his credit. However,
the course of Horizon Hills suited his game style and he earned himself a break from the dry spell. The same victory later earned him a spot in the Ryder Cup squad.
Last season’s event earned Harrington the title of being a winner, but its prize money failed to attract a star-stellar field. However, after looking at the Irishman catching glitz by the media, the sponsors have decided to increase
the purse of the tournament to encourage the top guns of golf to participate in the event.
With Harrington agreeing to take part in the tournament, the next name queued by the tour officials is that of Lee Westwood. The Englishman will not bring along any endorsers, however, he will surely attract other top guns such as
Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy.
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